HC Deb 13 March 1849 vol 103 c685
MR. BOUVERIE

said, he had complained last year of an officer of the House keeping the door closed between two divisions—a proceeding, he apprehended, totally contrary to all principle, as Members who abstained from voting in the first, might wish to take part in the second, but were prevented from doing so. The right hon. the Speaker, upon that occasion, called the officer to the bar, and desired that the door should be opened. The same thing had occurred this evening, and several Members, like himself, amongst others the noble Lord the Member for Hertford (Viscount Mahon), were thereby excluded from voting in the second division. He submitted that the officers should have directions to open the doors on every occasian when the numbers were declared.

MR. SPEAKER

The doors should be opened after the numbers are declared for the first division, and before the second question is proposed. When there is a very small inverval between the divisions, it sometimes happens that the outer doorkeeper is not aware of the door of the House having been opened. The bell is also to be rung, when strangers are ordered to withdraw.